equate something (with something)to think that something is the same as something else or is as importantSome parents equate education with exam success.I don't see how you can equate the two things.Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘make equal, balance’): from Latinaequat-

‘made level or equal’

, from the verb aequare, from aequus

‘even, level, equal’

. Current senses date from the mid 19th cent.Extra examplesInvention and progress do not necessarily equate with improvement.It’s hard to equate this gentle woman with the monster portrayed in the newspapers.Money cannot be equated with happiness.The constellations in the night sky cannot be directly equated with the heroes of Greek mythology.We are taught to equate beauty with success.crudely equating happiness with a high incomePhrasal Verbsequate to something